Data [Tachibana Kaim]

Keywords:

Shoujo, action/adventure, futuristic

Warnings:

Shounen-Ai

Volumes:

8

Publisher:

Wings Comics (Shinshokan)

ISBN:

Volume 1: 4-403-61528-7

Volume 2:

Volume 3:

Volume 4:

Volume 5:

Volume 6:

Volume 7:

Volume 8: 4-403-61711-5

Overview:

Data recently finished its run of 8 volumes in the phonebook, Wings, an anthology known for shounen-ai stories (although they tend to be milder than the stories in its sibling anthology also by Shinshokan, Dear + or Dear Plus.) Data begins with the two protagonists, Yuki and Sakura (who look surprisingling like Matsumoto and Prince Hope from Shinesman) searching for 'stones'. These 'stones' give them special powers; for example, Yuki already has the stone "Veszelyite" which gives him information on the locations of other stones, and Sakura has the stone "Opal" which gives him wings and allows him to fly. Although they do not remember their past, they are working together to find the rest of the "stones" and perhaps when they are found, they will know more about themselves. The plot slowly thickens as others arrive who also possess and are able to use the power of different stones, such as "Gold" for teleportation or "Spinel" for telepathy. Why are these stones scattered around the planets, and what is their true power? And how did Yuki and Sakura forget their past, and will it come back to haunt them?

Personal view:

Data is by my favorite mangaka, Tachibana Kaim, so of course I eagerly picked up the first few volumes when I saw them on sale. I was quickly drawn into the story with its many mysteries and rather twisted plot points. It has more shounen-ai themes than some of her other works but while Yuki and Sakura's friendship runs deep, there isn't any suggested intimacy between them; it's more of a kindred-spirit friendship that is very sweet, especially when their past begins to emerge. There is a well-rounded cast of characters (although there are rather a lot of them in merely 8 books!) to support the story and plenty of intriques to keep you interested.

Characters:

Yuki

The black-haired protagonist, and like his name, he's much colder and introspective. He was named "Yuki" because the first thing he remembered was the falling snow. Found by Sakura, who quickly realized they both possessed powerful stones, they decided to search out the rest of the stones together. Possesses Veszelyite, which summons star maps to help find the locations of other stones.

Sakura

The blonde-haired protagonist, which is much more outgoing and easygoing than Yuki. He was named "Sakura" because the first thing he remembered was the falling petals in spring. Likes to cook, and is quite friendly unless you get him really riled, in which cases his anger can be absolute. Possesses Opal, which gives him wings to let him fly, and Topaz, which gives him telekinetic abilities.

Kiruva

A mysterious figure who also possesses stones - his is Gold, which lets him teleport anywhere he wants, and he uses that to his advantage. He says he wants to help Sakura and Yuki remember their pasts, but also tries to steal their stones.. what are his true motives?

Dariya

Initially seen in the company of Kiruva, she possesses Seiran, which gives her irresisitable charm - but it doesn't work against Yuki. She seems to have a slight crush on Sakura, but what in her past makes her hate Yuki so much, and can they sort the problem out before it gets out of hand?

There are many others (there are 10 'vessels' who carry the stones alone!) as well

Detailed Summaries

Volume 1 summary and manga info

Volume 8 summary and manga info (end of story).

See also: Nothing: A Tachibana Kaim Site

Acquired from:

Kinokuniya, Asahiya (Little Tokyo)

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